N.Z. TRIAL TOUGH RACE TO WIN

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31366, 11 May 1967, Page 15

N.Z. TRIAL TOUGH RACE TO WIN

(By Our Motor-cycling Reporter)

Only a brazen gambler would be prepared to predict the outcome of the New Zealand motor-cycle sporting trial championship, to be held in conjunction with the annual North • South teams contest near Christchurch this week-end. Although below form in the South Island championship, the Christchurch rider, E. Norriss, is determined to retain the title he brilliantly won last season. But to do so he will have to overcome the strongest trials field assembled for one meeting. Among the entries already received by the organising body, the Pioneer Motor Club, are those of three former New Zealand champions—V. Rush (Christchurch), M. Harris (Wellington) and W. Moffat (Wellington). Another entry is also expected from the North Island rider, P. Brightwell, who won the championship a few years ago. GIBBES ENTERED And just to complicate the situation further the Australian international, A. T. Gibbes, now living in Palmerston North, has put his name on the starting list Of all the competitors, he probably has had the widest experience, and although his trials riding has been at a minimum since his arrival in

this country, he must still be considered a strong contender.

When competing in Europe, Gibbes was probably better known for his trials ability than for scrambling which has occupied so much of his time since. He has represented Britain in international trials and has a large number of gold medals as tangible testimony of his great skill. MILNER FAVOURED However, the rider most competitors will be watching is the Christchurch trialist, R. Milner, who has been showing outstanding form on his new Triumph Trials Cub.

He has never won a trial of any description but went within an ace of victory in the South Island championship a few weeks ago. Considering that many of the country’s leading competitors were riding, this was a fine achievement. Rush is another who must have a very good chance of taking the major honours after his win in the South Island event. A veteran of many years competition, he will be riding a 197 c.c. James. But the list of possible championship winners does not end there. P. McDonald, P. Archer, R. Rush and P. Chapple, all members of the Pioneer club, are strong contenders. R. Rush was the 1966 South Island champion and Archer took second fastest time in the Tauranga Scott Trial last year. SMALLEST MACHINE

The smallest machine in the trial will be an 80 c.c. Suzuki ridden by R. Bates, of Christchurch.

Two separate venues will be used for the championship. About 40 sections will be decided in Pyramid Valley in the Waipara river bed. 43 miles from Christchurch, on Saturday. Here full use will be made of natural hazards such as shingle, rocks, lime outcrops, clay banks and water.

On Saturday, the venue will switch to Mr S. Ogg's farm a' Tai Tapu where another 40 sections will be held. This course will include many treacherous cuttings, inclines, washouts and tracks. The course will demand the highest degree of riding ability and those hoping to win will have to aim for a points loss of little more than 50. The outcome of the NorthSouth teams match is a little clearer. The South Island won the inaugural event at Wellington last season by a margin of 100 points. It should again emerge victorious but the margin will probably be much less. The top eight to finish from each island will contribute points to the teams* championship.